You were my first “real” boyfriend; you were the first to give me butterflies in my stomach, my first real kiss and my first true love. You were also my first heartbreak.

You brought me flowers for no reason, you wrote me love letters and we made-out in your ice-blue Berretta. It was real, passionate, classic young love. When we broke up, my whole world was crushed because I knew then, just as much as I know now, that you are my one and only.  Looking back now I’m grateful for the time we had apart. It gave us both time to grow up, finish our educations and establish our own careers.   Most importantly, it gave us time to realize what we found important in a partner.  No matter what tangential course my life took during those ten years, my heart always belonged to you.

You posses everything I have ever wanted in a husband. I love that you are reliable and responsible but at the same time you are so sweetly boyish and so full of excitement for new adventures.  I love that you can make me laugh hysterically just by giving me a certain look. I adore watching you play with Sookie and Sawyer. I love that you can chop wood, change the oil in my car, fix random broken plumbing and get dirty. I love that you’re a real man.  I admire your drive and hard work.  I love that we have such a history together and we can reminisce about the past like an old married couple. I love that we still have so much ahead of us. I trust you with my heart completely; that you will never break it or abuse it, and that you will love it endlessly.

I’m so excited to see what memories we have to make together. I know that together we can accomplish so much more than we could alone.

You were my first everything and now you will be my last. By the time we say our vows, I will have loved you for more than half my life. It’s a dream to be marrying you, my high school sweetheart.

I always knew it was you.

Love,

B

Adorable you two.  Believe me, we’re gonna get a BIG metallic print for this one – it’s made for a big wall   Total FAV.

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Now that is a keeper, both you guys look amazing.

That’s the first half of Debbie Reynold’s signature in the background   Love the color punch on this one…

The Neon Graveyard offered a stellar amount of props to play with, all having that rust, worn and colorful look we dig.

Matt: “I wanna marry YOU”  Sara: “Marriage…who me?”

LOVE!  Sara, new Facebook Profile pic maybe?

You’re right Matt, you did hit the JACKPOT

Smooches behind a dinosaur-sized skull

Wendy learned about Joshua Trees on this trip too.

Red Rocks Canyon on a perfect, puffy cloud day.

Shot standing with the reflection on the ceiling of the elevator – only in Vegas

Shot outside the new Cosmopolitan hotel.  People kept stopping to not get in the way…but I had other ideas!

The famous Vegas ‘Strip’ in all its mayhem and splendor…

Sara + Matt,

We had SO much fun working with you guys and can’t wait for the Spray, Oregon wedding later this year (Spray is sure to be the opposite of Vegas, eh?)!  Thanks so much for taking a leap and shooting with us in the Neon Graveyard and tromping around Red Rocks and The Strip.  We have a better idea now how to make Matt laugh, how to light your beautiful eyes and how to mimic a 15 foot cowboy.  Fun times!  Enjoy and we’ll see you both in a few short months…

All the best,

B + W

We often capture the attention of out-of-town brides and regularly travel to their location to shoot among urban settings (in fact it’s a secret craving of ours).  Many thanks to our super-fab couples, some of these are for weddings next year but we have thoroughly enjoyed the process of getting to know you.  Moreover, some of our brides and grooms have taken the extra step to write love letters to their spouse (to-be).  When our couples choose to do that, we are overjoyed at the courage and humor that often comes out.

We hope everyone is having a wonderful holiday season!

B + W

{Jess + Chase} Engagement Session, Central Oregon

{Karen + Greg} Engagement Session; McMenamins, Bend Oregon

{Monica + Todd} Engagement Session; Drake Park, Downtown Bend Oregon

Letter Series: To Joe, From Meredith: Portland Oregon Engagement Photography

Letter Series: To Ian, From Jenni: Portland Oregon Engagement Photography

{Emily + David} Engagement Session; San Francisco, California

Letter Series: To Brian, From Katie: Engagement Photography Bend, Oregon

Letter Series: To Mike, From Tana: Engagement Photography Seattle, WA

Letter Series: To Phillip, From Heather; Central Oregon Pre-Wedding Engagement Photography

Letter Series: To Christoffer, From Mandy: Engagement Photography San Francisco, CA

Letter Series: To Gabe, From Mia: Central Oregon Engagement Photography

{Karen + Damian} Engagement Photography; Malibu, California

Letter Series: To Tamara, From Tim; Pre-Wedding Engagement Photography Bend Oregon

{Amy + Aaron} Engagement Photography; Dillon Falls Bend, Oregon

Letter Series: To Michael; From Tara: Pre-Wedding Engagement Photography; Five Pines Lodge Sisters, OR

{Karin + Fabrizio} Engagement Session; Rome, Italy

You are the man of my dreams and my “real life” prince charming. This has been an amazing fairly-tale love story of how two people fell in love. I would have never known love like this existed if I wouldn’t have found you. I was drawn to you the moment I met you. I will never forget all those nights on the phone that we talked until the sun came up.

In you Michael, I have found the love of my life and my closet, truest friend. I love everything about you~ your smile, your cute dimples, the sound of your voice, the sparkle in your eyes. I love the warmth that I feel when I am at your side. Every time I see you I fall in love all over again. I love how you make me feel relaxed and bring a smile to my face even when I am stressed or upset. I love every once-in-a-lifetime moment I share with you….. Today, tomorrow, forever!

I can’t wait to walk down the aisle and become your wife, your life long partner. This will complete our commitment to one another and start the next chapter of our lives together. I love you sparky!!!!

Xoxoxoxoxo,

Tara

Tara + Michael,

Okay, we had to go with a country tune here in the slideshow because we LOVE the fact you laughed and said that he’s takin’ a little of the ‘city girl’ out of you and brought on the country   We’re so stoked to have had the kind of initial meeting we had with you…so serendipitous to the point of being freaky!  We look forward to meeting your brother and his girlfriend (evidently our twins in a lost life) and seeing you two get hitched at your Five Pines Lodge wedding in Sisters, Oregon next year!  As a prelude (and because we wouldn’t have flowers in February), the engagement session was there among the yellow flowers and some close fun spots nearby   Thanks again you two and enjoy!

Cheers,

B + W

One of the first frames goofing around. You guys made our day with your playfulness!!

Adorable   Two points for Michael.

Classic symmetry, beautiful lines..and a little playful!

The sun peaked out in Sisters when it was gray and gloomy in Bend.  Perrrrrfect light.

Bangchickabangbang.  Love IT!

This is dreamy…Tara, you’re gorgeous!

Life wouldn’t be complete without some fisheye love…

The perfect barn appeared with yummy texture…you two are looking fabulous here.

Always pushing the envelope, we’ll put this one in our creative folder

The location of choice for the engagement session was Dillon Falls and it was just beautiful last week and super warm.  Last time we went up to the river trail for a shoot we swore we’d bring bug spray but this time of year we didn’t think twice about not bringing it.  WRONG.  When I say these two are the adventurous kind, we mean it.  Through the thick of mosquitoes, we all held our breath and ventured into a most spectacular sunset.

Trusting a photographer and connecting with the right couple that’s ready and willing to try new things is a beautiful thing.  When we say, lay down in the roots and cuddle…and the couple goes, ‘OKAY!’ we look at each other and smile.  When we say, stand in the water above a class V rapid and kiss…and the couple goes, ‘OKAY!’ we know we’ve hit our stride

Straight from Amy, she says “we now have some new “I love you so much…” phrases; “I love you so much I’d lay down in the dirt and snuggle with you while getting eaten by voracious mosquitoes!” and “I love you so much I’d perch on the edge of a class 5 waterfall while getting stuck by thorns AND eaten by mosquitoes!”

Now that’s our kinda couple….

Thanks you two for being bold!  We can’t wait to get to know you both even better and share your special day next May at Rock Springs Guest Ranch.

B + W

Magic Light = The sunset light that puts everything a glow.

Wendy kept saying ‘BE CAREFUL!’…of course Byron was clicking away smiling.

Classic Amy + Aaron; TOO CUTE.

One of our total favorites of the day because of color pop and the texture of the trees and roots…which gave us another IDEA!

Taken from 7 feet above in a sea of roots with the falls nearby…here’s to trying something new!

We took a short jaunt to the Old Mill to play around with the bikes at night among the glow of the bridge lights.

Earlier, we snuck a few shots in of their adorable baby boy, Calder and couldn’t resist posting a few.

Dog 1, Baby 0….go Mia!

Calder blowing bubbles and showing his Buddha belly

Last Friday, as I was photographing our past clients/models/friends Julianne and Dustin, (who had not only agreed to drive 8 hours for this shoot but don their wedding duds one last time) in downtown San Francisco, I realized I needed to give myself a jolt of the s word, (and no Sean Connery, that’s not SWORDS for $200). With the backing of my beautiful wife, her sister Jill (who not only found the perfect space at Hilton San Francisco Union Square hotel to do the interview but voluntarily helped us out the entire day with a smile-thank you Jill!!!), our San Francisco lighthouse couple and friends Emily and David back to help us as our engagement models, our wedding models and our amazingly creative videographer Anton Lorimer, I knew something great was going to happen.

That morning, as Anton asked me questions about my photography and business, all the while filming footage for our website video promo, I couldn’t help but feel stoked that this day had finally come to fruition! After Wendy and I were interviewed in the morning the afternoon began by shooting our wedding couple Julianne and Dustin and from there went into working with Emily and David’s engagement session (on the waterfront overlooking the Bay Bridge).

Some highlights from the day included having clear skies and fun light working with Julianne and Dustin to made for some great shots. The wind was blowing in this large alley, (someone said…”I wish she had a veil on” and literally right in front of where we were standing there was a high end bridal shop – Jin Wang.) Now the veils on and it’s got a life of it’s own, (so much so that at one point it fly’s off Julianne’s head and lands about 15 feet up on a wall). After a quick boulder session-I rate it a solid 10b with boots, the veils back down and we’re again shooting.

The final images of the day came from a pier that Anton recommended, the fog came in so quick our primary location wouldn’t have worked. He said that when the lights lining the pier come on it’d look awesome but it was so cold out I wasn’t sure we’d all make it without getting hypothermia! The lights did come on though and we knew this was the place to shoot Emily and David. To me, these moody photos with the lights and fog could have come out of a movie more representative of England or France. Regardless, Emily and David rocked it as usual.

In the end, I felt like a rock star and everyone else involved was truly that. I’m speechless, (most would laugh at this phrase being used to describe me) and have the utmost gratitude for everyone involved. Thank you, thank you, thank you to all my friends who made this happen. I’m feeling that s word come on again…..success.

Update: The complete ‘behind the scenes’ video promo has been completed!

Anton shooting Byron shooting Julianne + Dustin   I think that’s when Anton was saying ‘act normal!’  ha ha

Another unique close-up of the action

Wedding Promo Samples

Julianne in all her splendor…the wind was our friend that day – I would have paid for it.

Goofing off with dips, whips and jumps – these two went all out

Love the intimacy in this shot and the pure joy…

Julianne has one of those looks on camera that is just….plain…stunning.

This alley way reminded me of a bit of European flair…

Some cute fisheye love – as always!

The movement, expression and humor in this shot makes it a keeper.

Truly buttery….

Engagement Promo Samples

Ya hace mas que un par de años desde que nos conocimos, hicimos amigos y nos enamoramos – tú y yo. Looking back over those years I’ve become convinced that ‘meeting you was fate, becoming your friend was a choice, but falling in love with you was beyond my control,’ to borrow from an anonymous quote. A decided surrendering to a serendipity of happenstance that both marks and has changed me; forever, and for the better. I wish I could find words to enumerate the cherished dreams, memories, and experiences that loving you has afforded me. And to also convey, palpably, the awesome force these moments represent to who I am, have become, and desire to be. My efforts would, of course, be folly at best: ‘a laborious and impoverishing extravagance,’ for neither words nor text could approach the wonder that simply the thought of you animates within me.

My best effort, perhaps fittingly, would be to compare my love for you to a book, and allow the magistery of Borges’ text to approximate in words what I cannot. For ‘a book is more that a verbal structure or series of verbal structures; it is the dialogue it establishes with its reader and the intonation it imposes upon their voice, and the changing and durable images it leaves in their memory. A book is not an isolated being: it is a relationship, an axis of innumerable relationships.’ In simple terms a book is life. A script that neither fully precedes nor is postscript to our experience in the world; to living, loving, and just being. And ultimately, a book is never solitary. For from the moment of its inception it thought, through the acts of writing and being read, a book is always already a relationship, a gathering of the countless relationships that story life.

What I am trying to say is that to no small extent I am the person I am today by virtue of loving you, and by the grace of having felt your love for many years. This is what my life has become. And I love my life, largely because I am deeply in love with you. I didn’t know things would turn out this way when we met; nor could I have brought my life, nor yours, here by simple design. I just wanted to know you, become your friend, and share time. That’s all I was sure of those years ago; the rest has been like a book that wraps you up and whisks you away to worlds and experiences previously unimagined, if not unimaginable. A life of wonderment: that’s the story I live with in words I love you Tamara. And life with you is ever so much more than words.

Tu amigo, pareja, y enamorado – ahora y para siempre.

Un beso querida.
tim

Tamara + Tim,

You know why we love you guys?  Because you two are adventurous spirits, for shizzle.  Nevermind that the next day after the shoot you were going on a 23-day epic hiking adventure in Yosemite, nevermind that we were swarmed with mosquitoes during the second half of the shoot and you still looked natural, relaxed and at ease in nature, truly, you guys are such a cute pair and are obviously two peas in a pod.

We had so much fun with the old Schwinn bike, chasing the sunset at Mt. Bachelor and swatting bugs (all the while watching you two share ‘little kisses’ – ahhemm, remember ‘no big kisses’!).  We can’t wait for your upcoming wedding and look forward to sharing your special day with such a fun duo.

All the best,

B + W

A little downtown fun in the sun on a tandem Huffy townie bike

Beautiful light for a secret smooch!

One of our favs with Mt. Bachelor in the background.

Here’s another fun, unique play shot!

I did photoshop ONE thing on this pic, there was a massive mosquito on the frame (one of thousands but you wouldn’t know it from their smiles!)

Balance, smooch, surf…balance, smooch – aw, you get the drill!  Super cute in front of Broken Top on the side of the road.

I can’t believe this was the sunset…it looks like a wildfire in the back it’s so brilliant!

Sunflare goodness and Tamara dancing

Yes, that’s the moon in the middle of the rocks.

One of our favs, a cute moment you two!

As it went, we all walked up to the flame, Damian casually asked Byron to take a photo with his point-n-shoot and before Byron could even raise the camera to his eye…Damian was down on one knee.  I was daydreaming at the flame when I turned to see Byron’s jaw drop.  What a beautiful sight for a wedding photographer to fall into!

Damian is in the Navy, a submariner, a quiet, calm intellectual.  Karen is in pharmaceuticals, sweet and shy.  Both of them not into the mushy stuff (so they say).  They met several years ago when Damian literally landed on Karen’s door   The live in the OC outside of Los Angeles and we went down to the WPPI Road Trip Conference and did their engagement session on the beach at Paradise Cove.  I have to say, they have the most FANTASTIC clam chowder and coconut shrimp (thanks for the recommendation Karen!) and I have a hunch I saw James Marsden (27 Dresses, X-Men actor) when we first got there!

So what does it take for a quiet couple to have fun with Byron and I?  Not much!  It only took a few to get warmed up, shoes off and the smiles to come…

Speaking of shoes….sadly the sea took them for a spin when the tide came in so quick.  We were only down one flip flop however and Karen mentioned it was just another excuse to go shoe shopping (that’s my kinda gal!).

Karen, Damian – we’re so stoked to travel to Mexico and capture your wedding.  Thank you for making this romantic story come full circle.

B + W

In Paradise Cove, they have these spectacular rocks on the shoreline….just another sweet moment.

What do you get when you have two quiet people kiss for one of the first frames?….a keeper.

We had to wrestle with the tide….my job was to watch the waves and yell if they were coming close for a soaker!

In a surprise attack, I said grab a hunk of shirt…Karen went for the pec!  YEAH!

Here’s where it all started clicking and the rock, laughter and sunset made for a nice mix!

Love this…ah, yeah…trying not to get wet!

That’s a full Navy stance, Damian! 

Love the reflection here.  A pond and bridge….30 feet from the shoreline.

Everything I can think to write does not seem to be enough, words seem too trite to describe how blessed I am. Our relationship is such a gift because of the amazing person you are. Each time I am left in awe of your kindness to others, genuine compassion, and commitment to a life of happiness and love. You love me unconditionally and accept me for the person I really am. You support me and encourage me. Simply, you are the person I know I want to spend the rest of my life with, because I know our life will be filled with love and goodness!

I look forward to our future together. I can’t wait to start our family together. I know that both of us are deeply committed to helping others. Light, love, and life are the things I most want to put forth as intentions for our marriage. I hope that our wedding, our relationship, and the rest of our life together bring radiance and joy to those around us. I know that we will continue our commitment to humanity, to healing, and to helping restore light where there was darkness.

“Our souls were split in two in heaven
in order that we should find our our beshert (soul mate)
in this world and become whole”  -Jewish proverb

…and this is what I have found, and what I hope that each person should find their fire, their passion, their blessings, and their other half.

Always,

~Mia

Mia + Gabe,

From day one we knew that you chose us to create something unique, above and beyond, for you both.  The e-session had the backdrop of the sunset lit by smoke from an unfortunate nearby wildfire but it made for all the more spectacular light.  Thanks for being brave (walking on a cattle grate with heels!) and playing with us for few hours under sun and stars.  We wish you both the very best and can’t wait to participate in your traditional Jewish wedding next year!  Your letter, your love are truly special.

Best,

B + W

Yes, that’s Mia on a cattle guard with 3″ heels and a smile – WOW.

A little artsy flair from the ground – just a touch of something different.

Two of some of the best smile’s around no doubt!

Mia, you’re gorgeous!  So much so that Gabe’s nibbling on your neck

Another texture rich, gritty image we love with that perfect combo of sexy and sweet.

One of our total favs!  The gelled light here offers rich color to compliment the landscape.

The sunset was just magical.

Mia’s model smile – so cute.

Again, just a normal shot that’s just a little bit artsy and different.

People always told me two things: One, you meet the right person when you’re not looking for them.  Two, when you meet the person you are going to marry, you just know.  Imagine my surprise when I discovered all those people were right the day I met you.

It’s hard for me to explain what it is about our relationship that I like most… because it’s about a feeling more than words, it’s an overall sense of content and ease that I have felt from the beginning.  While this might not be the most romantic sentiment in the world, it is the foundation which we have built our love, friendship, and the beginning of our future together.

As we get closer to the big day and everything is falling into place, I am excited to have a celebration that is so ‘us’.  I look forward to becoming a McGuire as we continue our lives together.

“What is important is not how a couple looks at each other, but how they look towards their future together” – Anonymous

..and the light continued to get better and better

Again, a artsy shot we love of the two of you

Common Questions:

What do we wear?
We’ve had brides bring a portion of their entire wardrobe to the shoot, saying, “What should I wear?”  We giggle because we love fashion.  Don’t fear! Bringing your wardrobe is not necessary after you read this post!  Most commonly, our couples bring two outfits each: one casual, comfortable, everyday outfit that they feel really good in and represents them as a couple, and one dressed up look – something stylin’ that you would wear out for a special occasion date or a friend’s wedding.  Bold colors always pop on camera and add to the mood of the day.  The most important thing is that you’re confident in your look and feel it’s a good representation of your personality.

Do we shoot at more than one location?
Yes!  A typical engagement session includes two location spots fairly close by.  A lot of our couples are outdoor-lovers, so they may choose to do one natural spot and one more urban location.  We’ll communicate with you ahead of time to best understand special locations of your relationship, locations we want to shoot and recommend, or locations that connect with you both.  When traveling outside of Bend (which we love), we may reach out to you a bit more for special locations in your area.  From there, it’s all about the light, texture and background.

How long is the engagement session?
A typical engagement session is 1-2 hours.  If we’re traveling to your location and meeting face-to-face for the first time, we like to grab a cup of coffee or connect a bit prior to shooting, so plan on 2.5 to 3 hours.

When can I see the engagement pics?
After the shoot is completed, the next question is…when can we see them?  We like to post our favorites (top 10-20 images) on the blog typically within a week of the shoot; the full gallery is available 1-2 weeks after that.  Recently, for our brave brides, we’ve been including with the engagement session post a love letter from bride to groom (or vice versa) as a part of our letter series.  If you’re interested in participating, it adds such a special touch and often surprise to your fiancé.

More questions?  Please post in comments below!

…and because posts are always better with a pic, here’s a teaser of the recent engagement session of Heather + Phillip.  More to come, stay tuned!